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Besides loss of teeth, what are other HEALTH CONCERNS of Periodontal Disease? DIABETES - People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal disease. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Those people who don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk. One study has found that “poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled type 1 diabetics are.” Research suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways - periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection. HEART DISEASE –Gum disease may increase the risk of clogged arteries and heart disease, and is believed to worsen existing heart disease. Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. STROKE - Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke that is caused by blocked arteries. Oner possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries. Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia. PREGNANCY FACTORS — A woman who has gum disease during pregnancy may be more likely to deliver her baby too early or be “PRE-TERM”. The infant may also be more likely to be of LOW BIRTH WEIGHT. One study showed that up to 18% of premature, low-birth-weight babies might be linked to the mother's gum disease. RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS — Gum disease may cause lung infections and worsen existing lung conditions when bacteria from the mouth reach the lungs. Such lung infections could lead to pneumonia, and studies are being done now to help determine this association. SEVERE OSTEOPENIA – Reduction in bone mass (OSTEOPENIA) is associted with gum disease and related tooth loss. The severity has been connected to tooth loss in postmenopausal women. |
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Allentown & Dublin Dental Centers, PC |
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Periodontal Treatment and Implant Dentistry |
610-797-2420 AND 215-249-0520 |
